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ARTICLE PREVIEW
from Fine Woodworking November/December 2006 (#187)

Waterborne Finishes Come of Age
The best are now as good as or better than solvent finishes; the worst should still be avoided
by Chris A. Minick

In the 11 years since consulting editor Chris A. Minick last tested waterborne finishes, these products have improved significantly. And that's good news, because waterborne finishes offer a package of benefits that no solvent-based finish can offer: they have less odor than lacquers, they dry more quickly than oils, they offer more protection than shellac, and they are safer to spray. Minick tested 13 readily available clear waterborne finishes for ease of application by brush or spray gun, adhesion quality, surface hardness, heat resistance, stain resistance, clarity, and color.

Finishes tested include: Aquazar Water-Based Polyurethane, Benwood Finishes Stays Clear, Crystalac Premium Gloss, Fuhr 355 Acrylic Varnish, General Finishes High Performance, Hydrocote Resisthane Plus, J.E. Moser's Marine Shield, J.E. Moser's Simple Success, Minwax Polycrylic, ML Campbell Ultrastar, Olympic Polyurethane, Oxford Ultima Brushing Varnish, and Varathane Diamond Polyurethane.

Online extra: In-Depth Test Results: Waterborne Finishes

Photos: Mark Schofield

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From Fine Woodworking #187, pp. 46-51
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